Wallabies beat Wales 33-28 in Cardiff

The Wallabies have recorded a tenth straight victory over Wales, fighting back late to edge a thrilling Test match 33-28 at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

The win in front of 55,004 fans gave Michael Cheika victory in his first Test as head coach and ensured a huge confidence boost for Australia before the sides meet at next year’s Rugby World Cup.

The match was played at a frenetic pace with scores locked 21-21 after a six-try first half.

Wales led 28-27 with 12 minutes to go after a penalty try but NSW ice man Bernard Foley proved the difference, the five-eighth guiding Australia home with three penalties and a drop goal in the second half.

Superstar fullback Israel Folau broke a five-game scoring drought with two first-half tries as Australia benefited from Foley’s composed performance and a fine captain’s effort by Michael Hooper.

There were plenty of signs the Wallabies still coming to terms with Cheika’s new style, particularly in defence, but neither side’s attitude and commitment could be faulted.

Australia looked rattled early as Wales came out firing with some high-pressure defence and powerful running by captain Sam Warburton.

The home side led after just two minutes with halfback Rhys Webb selling a dummy and bursting past Wallabies rookie Sean McMahon to score.

But Australia fought back through two tries to Folau in the space of 11 minutes.

The first was set up by brilliant piece of play by Hooper, who burst through an attempted tackle from Dan Biggar and found the form rugby league and AFL star in support.

Folau then swooped in the 21st minute to intercept a poor George North pass and run 80 metres to the line.

The try-scoring party continued when Wales hit back in the 25th minute.

Australia were caught out defensively on the short side with North busting through the line and finding winger Alex Cuthbert.

But again the Wallabies hit back, with Fiji-born centre Kuridrani brushing feeble defence to score under the posts in the 29th minute.

Wales completed a remarkable half when Alun Wyn Jones barged over from close range to lock up the scores.

The second half began at a far more steady pace with Foley kicking Australia to a 27-21 lead through two penalties.

Adam Ashley-Cooper denied North from close range with a desperate try-saving tackle but the Wallabies came under a mountain of pressure on their own line from the Wales scrum.

Welsh efforts were reward with a 68th-minute penalty try.

Rhys Priestland converted from in front, with first and second choice kickers – Leigh Halfpenny and Biggar – having gone off injured.

But Foley, who helped the Waratahs to the Super Rugby final with a 45-metre penalty, proved the match-winner again, calmly slotting a drop goal with eight minutes remaining before converting another penalty.

Young prop Tetera Faulkner joined McMahon in making his Test debut with a late appearance off the bench.

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